Case Closed

The following piece is purely fictional. It is merely a tongue-and-cheek thought and meant for good humor. Although it might be a low blow aimed at something we all love, we might be able to see, even in these rough times, the comedy that lies in between the lines; or on the facade. By the way, the names were not changed to protect the guilty.

I pulled up to 126th and Roosevelt, the address that the frantic voice gave me over the phone. It was a report of a missing item. The caller had told me that a certain object of importance had disappeared. As I walked up to the door, I recalled that this was not the first time I had been here. How could I forget the mad man I dragged out of the building about a year ago after he threatened the bystanders and ripped open his shirt. That was a sad situation if I might say myself.

I knocked and the door was opened by a man named Jerry. He claimed to be the mysterious caller. I entered. He said that he had looked all over and asked everyone, but still could not find the "offense". I asked for a description and what was so special about this "offense". His response was muffled as he turned to lead me down the hall, but I did make out one word, "pathetic".

We passed a door labeled "Family Room", but the door was locked and marked with a do not enter sign. He then led me into a clubhouse. A few people were lurking around dressed in uniform. One, I believe his name was Oliver, sat in a corner, by himself. Another came by, shook my hand and introduced himself as David. I asked Jerry who he might think was the suspect. He turned and said, "Them" making a gesture to everyone standing around.

I proceeded to ask the so-called suspects about the "offense". Carlos, who was favoring his right leg, had said he had only been around for a few weeks and had not seen the jewel. I was then approached by a man named Angel who claimed that it was around here somewhere but that he didn't remember where he last saw it. A young man, virtually a kid, Ruben, said he didn't even know what the "offense" was. He had never heard of it.

After interviewing others like Ike, Josh and Jeff, all of whom had the same story as the others, I realized that there was two of the group that were missing. However, when I asked about Jason and Jose, I was told that they couldn't have been responsible either. The biggest lead I got was when Hank White mentioned that a guy named Barajas, may have taken it with him to Los Angeles. i investigated this lead further and found no substantial evidence.

I told the group that I would look over my notes and follow all the leads, but informed them that it was a long shot. Jerry shouted, "If we don't find the offense, I'll lose my job!" Howard, another man I had interviewed stood by nodding his head in agreement. All I could do was tell them I would do my best and then left.

With no strong evidence or main suspects, I had no choice but to close the case and mark it unsolved. I sure hope their "offense" turned up somewhere. Jerry and Howard seemed very worried and the rest of the group was somewhat somber themselves.

This was an excerpt from the soon to be released novel titled, Mets 10': Ya Gotta Go.